This archive report was first published on 12 November 2021.
Published on November 12, 2021, a row is brewing in Kisumu's Uhuru Business Complex market over how traders will occupy the new market ahead of Friday elections.
The market was built by the national government to accommodate traders who were evicted to allow for the refurbishment of Kisumu Port.
However, a section of Kisumu Members of County Assembly (MCAs) led by Milimani ward MCA Seth Kanga wants the planned exercise put on hold to allow for consultations.
"The planned balloting is being organized without the involvement of the office of the Governor and City Manager," Kanga said, urging for consultations to forestall the fallout from the traders.
He accused national government administrators of organizing the balloting without involving the county leadership.
"This is ridiculous, markets are devolved and already it is in the custody of the city, why are they again being bypassed by the national government administrators," Kanga asked.
Regional Commissioner Magu Mutundika announced that more than 1000 traders will be subjected to balloting to get spaces at the market without hue and cry.
However, Railways ward MCA David Arao questioned the hurry to take traders into the market, citing that the list containing the names of the traders is not complete.
"The list must be cleaned, we want genuine traders who were affected by the demolitions," Arao said.
Joanes Mathembo, a trader whose structure was demolished and his name is missing from the list, expressed frustration over the issue.
